Exports, the county and Canby

There are plenty of goods and services in and around Canby that have the potential to take the next step in the business food chain  exporting.

And because there are many cities in Clackamas County that share this same potential for exporting of products and services, Clackamas Countys Business and Economic Development arm wants to find out who, what and where those businesses are that are ripe to take advantage of exporting products outside the region, outside the state and, perhaps, outside the country.

In an effort to drive economic growth through exporting, Clackamas County Business and Economic Development has designed a survey to help determine what business services are needed, which Clackamas County companies would benefit, and how best to develop a comprehensive map of county supply chains.

And they want Canby companies to make sure they offer an opinion.

"Clackamas County's Export Initiative is targeted towards helping businesses understand the resources available in identifying potential opportunities to grow their business, said Catherine Comer, Business and Economic Development manager. The county supply chain study will identify current business connections and help businesses in our communities such as Canby understand how they can connect to the export network.

According to Cindy Hagen, a coordinator with Clackamas County Business and Economic Development, export opportunities for businesses and service in a town like Canby are far greater than many understand.

The survey the county is asking business owners to complete is one spoke in a large wheel thats being driven by a desire to light a fire under economic development in the county – Canby included.

The area, it seems, has plenty of potential for export. The survey will help shine a light on that potential.

It can be anything from professional services, manufacturing or a main street retail business that wants to sell outside the region – domestically or even internationally, Hagen said.

Over the coming few weeks, Clackamas County will be contacting more than 3,500 companies engaged in the following key industry sectors: advanced technology – high tech; film and media productions; nurseries and greenhouses; wholesale trade; advanced manufacturing – metals and machinery; food and beverage processing; professional business services; wood product manufacturing; agriculture and food production; health care; trucking and distribution.

Part of the reason we initiated this program is to bring help opportunities to the local level, said Cindy Hagen, of Clackamas County business and economic development. The ability to export is open to anyone thats interested. We have amazing resources at the county, state and even federal level that can help.

The overarching program is a supply chain analysis the county is undertaking – looking at purchasing, selling and how it is done.

Were looking for gaps in that chain, Hagen said, and ways to fill those gaps, even to the point of a recruiting strategy to bring something in.

Canby, along with many of its Clackamas County sister cities, is going to get a long look at what businesses have, what they need and where they can expand their businesses.

Filling out the survey is essential.

The target audience includes Clackamas County businesses that export or businesses interested in exporting. The purpose of the survey is to promote and understand Clackamas County exports, and facilitate relationships among local businesses. The goal is to increase exports, prompt expansion of local businesses and promote job growth.

Postcards with survey information are currently being distributed. The deadline for completing the survey and a chance to win a gift basket valued at $400 worth of local products is Oct. 11.

The survey can be found at www.clackamas.us/business/export.html or may be completed by phone at 503-742-4328 or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Clackamas County recognizes the importance of export activity to our business community and the local economy. The production of exported goods and services creates jobs both directly and indirectly in the supply chain, said Hagen.

Export Survey Info

The deadline for completing the survey and a chance to win a gift basket valued at $400 worth of local products is Friday. The survey can be found at www.clackamas.us/business/export.html or may be completed by phone at 503-742-4328 or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..